As with the legendary 911, the new Boxster's styling marks an evolution of the last two generations, with traditional Porsche styling at the ends, deep intakes along the sides and a low-cut profile across the top.

The major change for the new Boxster is in its body, with an all-aluminium design replacing the steel of its predecessor. Porsche hasn't spilled the beans on exactly what the new model weighs, but it is crowing about the lightweight construction.

There's also a longer wheelbase, a wider track, shorter overhangs at each end and a new automatic bonnet that does away with the stowed convertible top's internal cover.

Power for the new Boxster remains the domain of existing six-cylinder engines, with the rumoured four-cylinder mill nowhere in sight.

The entry-level Boxster gets a 2.7 litre flat-six - downgraded from the previous model's 2.9 litre unit - but power is up nearly 8kW to 198kW.

Porsche says the new Boxster will hit 100km/h in 5.7 seconds - an improvement of 0.1 seconds. Fuel consumption is listed at 7.7 l/100km.

The top-shelf Boxster S is driven by the same 3.4 litre engine of its predecessor, but benefits from a slight power boost to 235kW.

The S's 0-100km/h time gets a similarly moderate improvement, down from 5.2 to 5.0 seconds.

Both the Boxster and Boxster S are equipped with a six-speed manual transmission (no new seven-speed manual here), and a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission can be had as an option.

The new Boxster will make its European debut in the coming months. An Australian launch is likely before the year is out.